Summer of the Seventeenth Doll

Director Adam Mitchell began his process with a conversation with Summer of the Seventeenth Doll author, Ray Lawler, who 65 years after creating this classic, is still refining this beloved text.

Bruce McKinven’s design gives us a set that wraps up the sitting room an old Carlton boarding house as it may have appeared in 1953 - its suspended ceiling giving us both a beautiful picture frame, and a false sense of security. The costumes are gorgeous, with a wonderful authenticity and attention to detail. Trent Suidgeest’s lighting feels organic - and is integrated into the set rather than imposed upon it.

It is the 17th summer lay-off that cane cutters Roo and Barney will spend in Olive’s mother Emma’s home - but it is different. Olive’s friend Nancy has kept company with Barney for these many years, but she has married since last summer. Olive has invited her friend Pearl to stay, in the hope that she will be a good match for Barney and renew their quartet.

Olive is played flawlessly by Amy Matthews, who beautifully captures the longing for a lifestyle that has suddenly disappeared. Her relationship with Roo - played wonderfully by Kelton Pell in a multilayered performance - is expertly nuanced.

Alison Van Reeken is excellent as Pearl, who tries to navigate the lay-off experience, which challenges her world view. Jacob Allan gives us a fascinating Barney, navigating old and new relationships.

Wonderful support from seasoned performer Vivienne Garret, who plays a delightful Emma, and from newcomers Mackenzie Dunn, making a superb professional debut as the blossoming Bubba, and Michael Cameron (still studying at WAAPA), who is strong as Johnnie Dowd.

Physical interactions are realistic and impressive under the care of fight director Andy Fraser.

Ben Collins’ sound design, especially the well chosen bookends to the scenes, is thoughtfully crafted.

A show that is as vibrant and exciting as the “lay off”, Summer of the Seventeenth Doll is a must see - even for those who feel that they know this famous play. A faithful, but fabulously fresh look at this iconic Australian work.

Kimberley Shaw

READ THE FIRST PAGES OF THIS PLAY AND BUY IT HERE.

Photographer: Philip Gostelow